Barnsley have loaned out winger Kyran Lofthouse to League Two side MK Dons on a half-season loan.
The 23-year-old played for National League side Gateshead FC until the opening of the January transfer window, where he would record 13 appearances, alongside a goal against York City on Boxing Day.
Playing on the right, he reconnects with former Tynesiders boss Mike Williamson, who left in order to replace current Bradford City manager Graham Alexander in Milton Keynes.
Dons are currently eighth in the fourth division, only outside of the play-off spots on goal difference behind rivals AFC Wimbledon. The Buckinghamshire club had been unbeaten in seven games before losing to Doncaster Rovers in their last match.
Coming through the Oxford United academy, Lofthouse never made an appearance for the U’s, instead going on loans to Oxford City and Woking. The Cardinals would then sign him permanently for an undisclosed fee in 2021.
Leaving the Surrey club upon the expiry of his contract, Lofthouse signed for the Tykes on a three-year deal this summer. He made his debut against Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Cup and would then make a cameo appearance against Bristol Rovers.
Speaking to the club upon his departure to MK Dons, Interim Director of Football Bobby Hassell said: “We want to push Kyran to play at the highest level possible to continue his impressive development working with a manager who believes in him a lot.
“This experience will stand Kyran in good stead for a good campaign next season with Barnsley, as we believe he has a promising future at Oakwell.”
Writer’s View
Mike Williamson knows what Lofthouse can do as he was the one that brought him in at Gateshead. Clearly he was impressed by what he saw, as he has picked him yet again to assist in MK Dons’ promotion push. It is up to the winger to repay the faith his manager has put in him by proving himself at a level he has never played at before.
The Dons look to be in a very good position going into the second half of the 2023/24 season. Having Dan Kemp return from his highly successful loan from Swindon Town, along with whoever they also add in the window will make them a strong contender as the end of the season nears.
Barnsley also benefit from the loan, as they can test and then potentially prove Lofthouse’s credentials within the Football League. The comments of Bobby Hassell seem to hint that the winger will have opportunities with the Tykes next year. It is up to the 23-year-old to convince the South Yorkshire club that he has what it takes to cut it further up the pyramid.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.